NEWLY elected officials are set to undergo a three-year leadership and governance training program called Neo Plus (Newly Elected Officials Performing Leadership for Uplifting Service).
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will roll out the initiative this July.
The program supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to strengthen local governance and improve public service delivery, especially during officials' first 100 days in office.
Jerson Obo, Assistant Division Chief of the Local Government Capability Development Division (LGCDD) of DILG Region 7, clarified that while the training is not a requirement to assume office, the DILG strongly encourages participation.
"So, gi-encourage ang atong mga newly elected officials to join the said capacity development activity with DILG, encouragement gyud nga mu-join although it’s not a prerequisite nga kung dili ka attend dili ka assume,” Obo said during a media forum on Tuesday, July 8.
When pressed if the training is optional, he responded, “Not really option but we encourage,” underscoring that participation is highly expected of public officials as part of responsible leadership.
Neo Plus is an enhanced version of the earlier NEO Program, designed to provide continuous support throughout an official’s three-year term.
Implemented through the DILG’s Local Government Academy (LGA), it focuses on strategic leadership, policy development, and citizen-centered governance.
The program is structured in three phases:
- Accepting the Mandate and Embracing the Development Challenge (June to December 2025);
- Acting on the Mandate and Addressing the Development Challenge (January to December 2026);
- Achieving Results and Embedding Gains (January 2027 to June 2028).
Newly elected governors, vice governors, mayors, vice mayors, sanggunian members, and local functionaries are eligible for the program. Re-elected officials will undergo a refresher course.
“The Neo Plus is not just a continuation but an enhancement of the previous NEO Program,” Obo said, adding that the updated version features expanded modules, a more strategic approach, and a stronger focus on leadership accountability.
The program also assists Local Government Units (LGUs) in complying with performance standards under the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), which monitors and evaluates various local programs.
The DILG announced that an Introductory Course on Strategic Leadership and Management will kick off the implementation from July to August 2025.
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier urged elected officials to participate in the program, which aims to build stronger, more responsive, and accountable local governments nationwide. (CDF)